The Okoye family, residents of Umuawulu Community in Anambra State, are pleading for justice following the tragic death of their patriarch, Chief Shadrach Okoye, at the hands of a masquerade.
Chief Okoye, aged 71, was brutally beaten to death by a masquerade known as Ụdọ̀ in his hometown. The incident has left the family devastated, with his body lying in the mortuary since the day of the attack.
According to Chidubem Okoye, the eldest son of the deceased, the ordeal began on December 25, 2023, when his father left home to escort a friend visiting for Christmas celebrations. On their way, they encountered several masquerades, one of which demanded money from Chief Okoye. Despite explanations of not having any money, the masquerade persisted, eventually resorting to violence.
Despite efforts by Chief Okoye’s friend to placate the masquerade with money, the situation escalated, leading to Chief Okoye being punched in the chest at close range. He collapsed, struggling for breath, and tragically passed away before medical help could arrive.
The perpetrator, identified as Ifechukwu Nweke, a 19-year-old from the same community, has not denied the crime. While initially, his family pledged to support with funeral arrangements as a form of apology, they have since withdrawn their support, claiming inability to locate Ifechukwu.
The Okoye family, despite facing threats to their safety, have pursued justice through reporting the incident to both the police and the local traditional ruler. However, progress has been slow, with authorities awaiting the apprehension of the suspect.
In the midst of their grief, the Okoye family urges the intervention of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure justice for Chief Shadrach Okoye. Their cry for justice echoes not only in the silence of the mortuary but also in the shattered hopes of a family seeking closure.